A cast of local actors and musicians is bringing Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology to New Salem’s Theater in the Park. Blending the voices of the cemetery “residents” with Americana folk music from local father-daughter duo Mark and Molly Mathewson, Spoon River Anthology is a poignant, breathtaking presentation of life in early 20th century Menard, Fulton and Mason counties. Spoon River Anthology was written in 1915 by Petersburg native Edgar Lee Masters. The book of poems is set in a cemetery and features characters based on real people Masters knew while growing up in Petersburg and Lewistown. It recently was voted by IllinoisTop200.com as one of the top five books by Illinois authors. “Masters changed the names of the people he wrote about, but folks at the time knew exactly who they were,” said Phil Funkenbusch, director of the current production. “It’s also why many of the stories we hear are very relevant to us today. It’s what living in a small town is all about. This realism makes us laugh, and cry and even empathize with characters who lived right here a few generations ago.” Visit www.theatreinthepark.net or call 632-5440 for tickets and additional information.
Spoon River Anthology
Thursday, Aug. 30, Friday Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 1
Theatre in the Park
Lincoln’s New Salem State Park, 15588 History Lane, Petersburg
Adults $15; Seniors $13; Children $10. Group rates of ten or more are $12 each.
